National Careers Week (NCW) is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and free resources for students across the UK, and, throughout the week, New Hall held a variety of exciting events designed to equip pupils and students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the ever-evolving world of work.

The week began with the Year 7 students putting their teamwork and creative thinking skills to the test in the National Careers Challenge.  Partnering with Air Products, a leading industrial gas company, students were tasked with designing a marketing campaign to convince a local business to switch their transport fleet to hydrogen fuel.  Working collaboratively, they brainstormed ideas, designed marketing materials, and pitched their strategies to a panel of judges.

The winning team impressed the judges with their innovative and persuasive campaign and are now invited to compete against schools from across the country at the National Careers Challenge Finals in July this year.

The Year 8 students delved into the vast world of healthcare during a dedicated workshop delivered by members of the National Health Service (NHS).  This session explored the diverse range of career paths available within the UK’s largest employer. Students gained insights into the importance of employability skills, such as communication and teamwork, and even participated in a practical exercise to hone these essential abilities.

Halfway through the week, the students in Year 9 had the opportunity to network with professionals from various industries during a Careers Networking event.  Working in teams, they tackled real-world challenges presented by leading companies:

BT: Students programmed a robot to follow a specific path, demonstrating their understanding of automation and problem-solving.

Kier Construction: Teamwork and planning skills were put to the test as students built a tower block adhering to precise client specifications.

On Thursday evening, we hosted a comprehensive Post-18 Pathways Information Evening for the Year 12 students. A well-attended event, it featured a range of guest speakers who explained the multitude of opportunities available after Sixth Form. From university courses, both in the UK and overseas, to apprenticeships and vocational training, students gained valuable information to guide their future choices.

One of our guest speakers included Old Fish Fabianna Bartella(2011-2022), who shared her experience of undertaking a Degree Apprenticeship with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and detailed why she chose to pursue an apprenticeship over a university degree, and her experience of the recruitment and selection process. Fabianna is currently in her second year as a solicitor apprentice with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.

National Careers Week wasn’t a week of insight just for those in the Senior Divisions, but also for the older pupils in the Prep Divisions. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 embarked on a creative journey, brainstorming a different career each day of the week. This activity wasn’t about choosing their dream job, but rather, expanding their horizons and exploring the vast possibilities the future holds.

National Careers Week at New Hall proved to be a resounding success, equipping pupils and students with the knowledge, practical experience, and industry connections necessary to make informed decisions about their future careers.